Sion Academy – Xavier Phillips – Cello solo – Classical

Sion Academy – Xavier Phillips – Cello solo – Classical

24 Jul 2019 @ 19 h 00 min

Born in Paris, Xavier Phillips began to study the cello at the early age of 6. By 15, he entered Philippe Muller’s studio at the CNSM in Paris and graduated with First Prize in 1989.

After these formative years, he won several international prizes (Second Prize and Special Prize at the Young Artists of Belgrade competition, Special Prize at the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Third and Special Prize at the Rostropovich Competition in Paris and First Prize, awarded unanimously, at the 1st Competition of Helsinki). His participation brought him to the attention of Mstislav Rostropovich, who had been particularly taken with his playing during the Rostropovich Competition.

Their encounter proved especially fruitful since it marked the beginning of a long collaboration during which Xavier Phillips received the guidance and encouragement of the master cellist.

Alongside his work as soloist, Xavier Phillips, is a dedicated teacher. Xavier Phillips has also dedicated himself to chamber music – a passion that he has shared with such artists as Schlomo Mintz, Jean-Marc Phillips-Varjabédian, Régis Pasquier, David Grimal, Emmanuel Strosser, Vahan Mardirossian, Igor Tchetuev, Vanessa Wagner, Romain Guyot…